Being a Pray-er through Art

by Sarah Klatt-Dickerson, North Valley Friends

I have been writing poetry since I can remember. I use words to try and make sense of the world and my experience of it. When words fail I turn to painting, drawing, paper crafting, sewing, pottery, photography, or whatever way I find to create. Creating helps me understand and process life. I remember when I was around nine years old and my three-year-old cousin died. I made some paper plate art with tissue paper flowers with her name written in the center and went into my room. I placed the artwork in the closet and shut the door. Then I got on my knees and prayed that God would give it to her. I prayed and cried and prayed, and occasionally went to check if the paper plate was still there. It never disappeared, and I was faced with the reality of pain, grief, and suffering. Ever since, art has been a way for me to deal with my feelings, and try to reconcile brokenness with the goodness I find in God.

Growing up, I thought prayer was something you said to God—sometimes in your head, sometimes out loud, or sometimes written. I was a very disciplined pray-er in this way, giving my praises and requests to God. But it is hard for me to express my deepest desires and sorrows in this format. I’ve come to see art as a form of prayer. In college, my ceramic professor asked me if there was a more incarnational way to pray than forming a vessel out of clay. As God formed Adam and Eve out of mud and breath, so I began to form cups and bowls and vases. And with that same breath that gave life to me, I create in small ways, with words and other things, as my Creator did and continues to do.

I wonder as I wander what grace it must have took, to create a world intricately bound together, knowing that some of the creatures would separate themselves and mark the distance between them, as holy.

Sarah Klatt-Dickerson is finishing up her MDiv at George Fox Evangelical Seminary this May, and feels called to be a pastor and an artist. She is currently a pastor at North Valley Friends and manages an Etsy shop online with her dad: ordinaryartists.etsy.com